Mercedes is facing difficulties with Lewis Hamilton underperforming this season, potentially signaling his departure for Ferrari in 2025. Despite Hamilton’s surprisingly positive demeanor, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff remains perplexed by his struggles.
Meanwhile, at Ferrari, discord has emerged between dismissed teammate Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Leclerc expressed concerns over Sainz’s aggressive tactics, escalating tensions during the Chinese GP. Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur acknowledged the impact of Sainz’s grid position on the team’s performance, emphasizing the need to minimize mistakes.
Former world champion Nico Rosberg and Ferrari insider Leo Turrini both advocate for Ferrari to implement a Mercedes-style driver conduct system to resolve the conflict between Leclerc and Sainz. However, Cesare Fiorio questions Vasseur’s ability to control the situation due to Sainz’s previous loss of control.
Sainz’s contract negotiations remain ongoing, with his manager indicating that no decisions will be made in the near future. Sainz’s performance this season may influence his bargaining power as he seeks to prove his dominance as Ferrari’s fastest driver.
As the season progresses, the situation within both teams could stabilize, but the early challenges faced by Mercedes and Ferrari will continue to shape the dynamics of the 2024 Formula One season.
